The goal with this brief article is to create awareness when it comes to the use of YouTube videos within the divine service experience.
Please note that it is illegal to include YouTube videos (music or otherwise) in religious services, without direct permission from the copyright owner(s).
The following is taken directly from CCLI's website:
YouTube’s terms of service specifies that content on the site should only be accessed for “personal, non-commercial use” except where “YouTube or the respective licensors [the copyright owner] of the content” has given “prior written consent.”
Additionally, no licenses currently exist that cover this type of YouTube-specific use, including CCLI. Just because a congregation has a CCLI license does not mean that they can use these videos without permission.
If you are currently including YouTube videos within the divine service experience, please refrain from doing so moving forward. Where possible, all service music should be live, with the possible exception of those congregations that are lacking accompanists. Where this is the case, please be encouraged to use the accompaniment tracks available on Music Companion (https://www.musiccompanion.org/resources/accompaniment-tracks-lead-sheets).
Thank you in advance for your understanding and compliance.